A driver assistance system (12) comprises an optical detector (14) with active scene illumination. The optical detector includes at least one of a stereoscopic imager, a time-of-flight imager, a structured-light imager and a night vision system. The optical detector includes a light source (16) for converting electrical energy into light, projection optics (18) for illuminating a scene with light generated by the light source and one or more optical sensors (20) for detecting light returned from the scene in response to the scene being illuminated. The light source is thermally connected to a heat sink (30) for evacuating heat produced by the light source and the projection optics are optically connected to the light source with one or more optical fibers (22) for transport of light generated by the light source to the projection optics.
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1. A driver assistance system comprising an optical detector with active scene illumination, said optical detector including at least one of a stereoscopic imager, a time-of-flight imager, a structured-light imager and a night vision system, wherein said at least one of a stereoscopic imager, a time-of-flight imager, a structured-light imager and a night vision system comprises: a light source for converting electrical energy into light, said light source being thermally connected to a heat sink for evacuating heat produced by said light source; projection optics for illuminating a scene with light generated by said light source, said projection optics being optically connected to said light source with one or more optical fibers for transport of light generated by said light source to said projection optics; and one or more optical sensors for detecting light returned from said scene in response to said scene being illuminated; said one or more optical sensors being separate from said projection optics and said one or more optical fibers and arranged independently from said projection optics and said one or more optical fibers.
A driver assistance system uses an optical detector with active illumination to enhance visibility and perception. The optical detector incorporates at least one of: a stereoscopic imager, a time-of-flight imager, a structured-light imager, or a night vision system. This system has a light source converting electrical energy to light. A heat sink removes heat from the light source. Projection optics, connected to the light source via optical fibers, illuminate the scene. Separate optical sensors detect the reflected light. The sensors are positioned independently from the projection optics and optical fibers.
2. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a control unit, said control unit being operatively coupled to said one or more optical sensors via a data cable connection.
The driver assistance system, as described with a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, also includes a control unit connected to the optical sensors using a data cable. The control unit receives and processes the sensor data for driver assistance functions.
3. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein said light source is a part of said control unit, and wherein said control unit is operatively coupled said projection optics by means of said one or more optical fibers.
In the driver assistance system that has a control unit connected to optical sensors by data cables, a light source with heat sink, and projection optics using optical fibers, the light source is physically integrated within the control unit. The control unit is connected to the projection optics using the optical fibers, channeling the light generated within the control unit to the external projection optics for scene illumination.
4. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said light source comprises at least one of a fiber-coupled semiconductor laser, a fiber-laser, an array of fiber-coupled semi-conductor lasers, a fiber-coupled LED and a array of fiber-coupled LEDs.
In the driver assistance system having a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, the light source can be one or more of the following: a fiber-coupled semiconductor laser, a fiber laser, an array of fiber-coupled semiconductor lasers, a fiber-coupled LED, or an array of fiber-coupled LEDs. The light source's output is channeled through optical fibers to the projection optics.
5. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said heat sink comprises at least one of a metal body with fins, a radiator, a cooling fan, a liquid-cooled heat sink, a heat pipe and a thermoelectric cooler.
In the driver assistance system having a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, the heat sink connected to the light source can be one or more of the following: a metal body with fins, a radiator, a cooling fan, a liquid-cooled heat sink, a heat pipe, or a thermoelectric cooler. The heat sink is designed to dissipate heat generated by the light source.
6. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a processor operatively connected to said one or more optical sensors for deriving information to be conveyed to the car driver and/or for determining actions to be taken by the driver assistance system.
The driver assistance system, as described with a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, also includes a processor. This processor is connected to the optical sensors, processes sensor data, derives relevant information for the driver, and determines actions for the driver assistance system to take, such as issuing warnings or activating safety features.
7. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said optical detector is part of a computer vision system.
The driver assistance system, as described with a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, functions as a component of a larger computer vision system. The optical detector provides visual data processed by the computer vision system for scene understanding and automated decision-making.
8. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said light source is configured to emit pulsed light and/or intensity-modulated light.
In the driver assistance system having a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, the light source can be configured to emit pulsed light and/or intensity-modulated light. This modulation technique can improve the system's ability to measure distances, detect objects, and differentiate between objects and background.
9. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said light source is an infrared light source.
In the driver assistance system having a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, the light source emits infrared light. The use of infrared light makes the illumination invisible to the human eye, allowing for covert operation and reduced driver distraction, while still enabling the system to detect objects and hazards.
10. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said projection optics are made of plastic optical components.
In the driver assistance system having a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, the projection optics are made of plastic optical components. Plastic optics offer advantages such as lighter weight and lower manufacturing cost compared to glass optics, contributing to system efficiency and affordability.
11. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said at least one of a stereoscopic imager, a time-of-flight imager, a structured-light imager and a night vision system comprises a plurality of light sources, each of said plurality of light sources being optically connected to said projection optics with one or more optical fibers.
The driver assistance system, as described with projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors, uses multiple light sources instead of a single source. Each light source is connected to the projection optics using one or more optical fibers. These multiple sources can provide higher total illumination or allow for patterned illumination.
12. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said one or more optical fibers are merged to a fiber bundle leading to said projection optics.
In the driver assistance system that utilizes multiple light sources with optical fiber connections to projection optics and separate optical sensors, the multiple optical fibers from each light source are combined into a single fiber bundle that leads to the projection optics. This simplifies the connection between the light sources and the optics.
13. The driver assistance system as claimed in claim 12 , wherein said one or more optical fibers are merged to a fiber bundle in such a way that the optical fibers from the plurality of light sources are randomly arranged over the cross section of said fiber bundle.
In the driver assistance system using multiple light sources combined into a fiber bundle, the optical fibers from each light source are arranged randomly across the fiber bundle's cross-section. This random arrangement helps to homogenize the light output from the different sources, creating more uniform illumination when projected onto the scene.
14. Driver assistance system as claimed in claim 12 , wherein said one or more optical fibers are merged to a fiber bundle in such a way that the one or more optical fibers from the plurality of light sources are arranged over the cross section of said fiber bundle in accordance with a particular pattern, in such a way that different illumination patterns can be produced in said scene by switching on different ones of said light sources or different combinations thereof.
In the driver assistance system using multiple light sources combined into a fiber bundle, the optical fibers are arranged according to a specific pattern across the bundle's cross-section. This arrangement enables different illumination patterns to be generated in the scene by selectively activating specific light sources or combinations of sources, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its illumination to different situations.
15. An automotive vehicle, comprising a driver assistance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said light source is arranged remote from said projection optics.
An automotive vehicle includes a driver assistance system utilizing a light source with heat sink, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors. The light source is positioned remotely from the projection optics. This allows flexible placement of the components within the vehicle, optimizing space and thermal management.
16. The automotive vehicle as claimed in claim 15 , wherein said projection optics are arranged at a windscreen border and or in the front, e.g. at or in the headlamps or in the radiator cowling region, of said vehicle.
The automotive vehicle contains a driver assistance system with a remotely located light source, projection optics using optical fibers, and separate optical sensors. The projection optics are located at the windshield border or in the front of the vehicle, such as in the headlamps or radiator cowling region. This ensures a clear field of view for projecting illumination onto the road ahead.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
July 16, 2013
August 1, 2017
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